Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Spain 4 - 2 Portugal (after penalties) UPDATED

A very balanced match until half-time, with both teams having their chances to open the score. Portugal started well, when Miguel Veloso tried his luck but his shot was deflected into a corner. Spain was finding difficult to grab possession early in the match, as Portugal wanted to open the score early in the game. Coentrao was the main threat, as his runs were always dangerous on the left. Spain responded with Xabi alonso who tried searching for David Silva, but Rui Patricio grabbed the ball before any real danger. Spain then started pressing Portugal players, and they had to content with long balls. Cristiano Ronaldo then had a chance from a cross, but Iker Casillas grabbed the ball before Nani could head the ball in the net. Ronaldo then tried his luck from a free-kick, but the ball was cleared in a corner. Spain tried a counter attack with David Silva, but Veloso tackled well. Arbeloa was having difficulties at the left, and Ronaldo tried a first timer, but his shot went way over the bar. Portugal started well until now. Spain was finding difficulty in finding space, however I question whether Portugal can keep this pace for the whole match. Iniesta tried combining with Silva but again they could not connect.

2nd Half

In this half incredibly Spain was never a threat to Portugal, as they continued to control the Spanish team rather well, and Portugal had the better chances although they too few had key chances. Portugal started attacking, when Pepe searched for Ronaldo but the referee whistled for a free-kick. Nani then crossed a beautiful cross, but Gerrard Pique cleared well. Spain tried to change things when Fabregas entered the pitch instead of Negredo, who had a rather poor match. Fabregas first touch of the ball was not good as Portugal counter-attacked but the attack produced only a corner. There was a penalty shout by Ronaldo, but replays showed that Sergio Ramos never fouled Ronaldo, and in fact Ronaldo should have been booked for simulation. Spain tried something from Jesus Navas, but Portugal thanks to Pepe controlled the situation rather well. Ronaldo had a chance from a free-kick, but it went over the bar. The final chance came from a counter-attack by Portugal but Ronaldo shot well over the bar... he should have done better there.

Extra-time

Both teams appeared tired in the extra-time. The best chance of the match was however in this time when Iniesta's shot was saved pretty well by Rui Patricio. Ramos also had a chance from a free-kick, but went over the bar. Spain continued attacking in the extra-time, Spain had a chance when Jesus Navas cuts inside the box, and his shot was saved by Rui Patricio. Pedro had a chance when he broke Portugal defense, but Coentrao recovered and cleared the ball away.